When working with professionals, or busy people in their offices, we discover not just paper or information clutter, but random items that really don’t need to be in their work space. These items clog up workflow, and the client’s ability to work efficiently.

At times, because the stuff has been in the space for so long, the client isn’t aware of it anymore or how it’s affecting productivity. In this month’s blog post, you’ll see a list of the most common things to toss out of your office. Cheers!

Do you remember that game on Sesame Street with the theme song, “One of these things is not like the others”? Viewers would try to guess which item on the screen didn’t belong with the others. It was easy to see that something just wasn’t right, and it should be removed. Here's a video to jog your memory. :)

The same concept can be applied when removing clutter from your space. I challenge you to take a good, hard look at your work environment and ask, “Which of these things doesn't belong?” Then let go!10 Things That Don’t Belong In Your Office or Workspace: *Not in order of importance1. Other people’s work or clutter – Hand it back to it’s rightful owner. You can do it!2. More than 1-2 coffee mugs3. Empty Vases – If you receive flowers at work, they’ll most likely come with a vase. If they don’t, I’m sure another co-worker has one in her office you could borrow! ;)4.Numerous stuffed animals or pictures of friends and family5. A bunker-like stash of condiments (ketchup, taco/soy sauce, sugar, etc.)6.Outdated, unused or broken electronics, IT equipment and chords- Return them to the IT Department or send them to an E-waste recycling facility.7. Office supplies you don’t need or use - Put them back in the supply closet8. Outdated books, magazines or periodicals that are not directly related to your position9. Christmas decorations – Keep these somewhere else because they’re taking up valuable real estate and you only use them once a year10. Anything that reminds you of something negative or of failure. If it doesn't feel inspirational, and instead brings you down (for example, memorabilia from a past project, job or boss you really disliked), then get it out of the space pronto!Cheers!